Creamy Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms — The Ultimate Cozy, Comforting, Family-Favorite Dinner
If comfort had a flavor, it would taste exactly like this Creamy Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms. It’s hearty, creamy, savory, and irresistibly satisfying — the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. With tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, a velvety sauce, and melty cheese all baked together, this casserole brings homestyle comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal effort.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, meal prep, or anytime you’re craving a wholesome, comforting dinner without complication. It’s also incredibly adaptable — you can add vegetables, switch up the cheese, or change the protein depending on your preferences. The combination of mushrooms and chicken creates a depth of flavor that feels restaurant-level while still being simple enough for beginners.
One of the biggest perks of casseroles is convenience. You prep everything in one skillet, top it with cheese, bake it until bubbly, and serve. This recipe follows that same principle: minimal cleanup, easy ingredients, and maximum flavor. And because everything cooks together in the oven, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a creamy, savory sauce that coats every bite.
Below you’ll find the full recipe, detailed instructions, expert tips, variations, and serving ideas so you can make the perfect Creamy Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms every time.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned (they do not need to be fully cooked yet). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and mushrooms until softened and golden, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add heavy cream, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes until creamy.
- Add chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Transfer everything to a casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Creamy Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown chicken pieces lightly in butter and set aside.
- Sauté onions and mushrooms until softened, then add garlic.
- Sprinkle flour and cook briefly to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth, then add cream and seasonings.
- Return chicken to skillet and coat with sauce.
- Transfer mixture to a casserole dish and top with cheese.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Why This Casserole Works So Well
Creamy but not heavy
The sauce is made with a balanced mix of broth and cream, giving it richness without being greasy.
Mushrooms add depth
Mushrooms bring umami and a savory earthiness that complements chicken perfectly.
One-skillet prep
Everything cooks together before going into the oven, reducing dishes and making prep easy.
Cheese seals everything together
A golden, bubbly cheese top ties the whole casserole together and adds irresistible flavor.
Family friendly
Kids love it. Adults love it. It’s universally comforting and crowd-pleasing.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Mushroom Casserole
Brown the chicken lightly
You don’t need a full sear, but light browning adds flavor.
Cook mushrooms long enough
Let mushrooms caramelize for the best taste — don’t rush this step.
Whisk constantly when adding liquids
This ensures a smooth, lump-free cream sauce.
Use freshly shredded cheese
Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents.
Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking
This helps the sauce thicken and settle.
Variations
1. Add vegetables
Try broccoli, spinach, peas, zucchini, or carrots.
2. Make it low-carb
Use cauliflower florets as a base and mix them into the sauce.
3. Make it cheesy
Add Parmesan, cheddar, or Swiss.
4. Make it spicy
Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.
5. Swap the protein
Turkey, rotisserie chicken, or pork tenderloin all work.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
- Pair with roasted green beans or steamed broccoli.
- Add garlic bread for soaking up the sauce.
- Serve with a fresh green salad for balance.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator:
Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer:
Freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat:
Warm gently in the oven at 325°F or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Why You’ll Want This in Your Weekly Rotation
This Creamy Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms checks every box: comforting, easy, flavorful, family-friendly, and great for leftovers. It feels luxurious but uses everyday ingredients. Whether it’s a cold evening or you just want something hearty and delicious, this casserole delivers every time.
